In Weld County, Colorado, protection orders (also known as restraining orders) are court mandates intended to prevent contact between individuals in situations involving alleged domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or other personal safety concerns.
If you’re accused of Violating a Protection Order, you’re not just facing a technical violation, you’re facing a criminal charge with serious consequences. Here’s what you need to know about your rights, the penalties, and how an experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney can help.
What Is a Protection Order in Greeley, Colorado?
A protection order is issued by a judge to prevent one person from contacting, harassing, threatening, or approaching another person. These orders can be:
- Mandatory Protection Orders (MPOs): Automatically issued in most criminal cases involving Domestic Violence, Assault, Stalking, or Harassment.
- Civil Protection Orders: Requested by a person (the “protected party”) in civil court, often due to alleged domestic abuse or threats.
- Temporary or Permanent: Many start as temporary orders, but they can be extended or made permanent after a hearing.
Important: Even if the protected party contacts you first, responding can still result in a criminal charge against you, not them.
Windsor Violation of a Protection Order Attorney: What Is Considered Violating a Protection Order?
According to C.R.S. § 18-6-803.5, it is a crime to knowingly violate any part of a protection order. That means even unintentional or indirect contact — such as:
- Sending a text or DM
- Liking or commenting on social media posts
- Driving by the protected person’s home or workplace
- Asking a friend or relative to pass along a message
Common scenarios include:
- Being accused of showing up somewhere the protected person is
- Failing a drug or alcohol test, if sobriety is a condition
- Possessing a firearm when the order prohibits it
What Are the Penalties for Violating a Protection Order in Johnstown, Colorado?
A violation is a criminal offense — not just a civil matter.
For a first offense:
- Class 2 misdemeanor
- Up to 120 days in jail
- Up to $750 in fines
If you have prior convictions:
- Class 1 misdemeanor
- Up to 364 days in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
If the violation includes Domestic Violence:
- The offense is tagged as an act of Domestic Violence
- This can affect gun rights, custody, and more
- May trigger mandatory domestic violence treatment programs
If you or someone you love has been charged with Violation of a Protection Order, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Sora Shimazaki